The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the competition. Male and female students compete separately. Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours) in a U.S. college or university.
Scholarship Details
- Administered by the Elks National Foundation
- 500 four-year scholarships awarded annually to top-rated applicants
- Separate competitions for male and female students
- Top 20 finalists interview with national judges and attend Leadership Weekend
- Two first-place national awards of $30,000 each
- 480 runners-up receive $4,000 scholarships
- Scholarships awarded as certificates conditional upon full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Local, district, and state Elks associations may offer additional separate scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a current high school senior or equivalent
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible)
- High school graduates are not eligible to apply
- Must plan to enroll full-time (minimum 12 semester hours) in a four-year undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university
- No family affiliation with the Elks organization is required
Application Process
- Confirm eligibility as a U.S. citizen and current high school senior
- Complete the online Most Valuable Student Scholarship application through the Elks National Foundation website
- Submit required documentation including academic transcripts and personal information
- Provide essays, activity records, and references as requested
- Participate in the local, district, and state judging rounds
- If selected among the top 20 finalists, attend Leadership Weekend and interview with national judges
- Winners are notified following the national selection process
The top 20 scholars will interview with the national judges. These 20 finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $30,000. The 480 runners-up will receive scholarships of $4,000. Attendance at Leadership Weekend is required to be part of the Top 20 cohort and receive $30,000.
